Service Alpha Uniform: The Green Ones

At present, this guide covers only the Service “A”, aka “alpha” uniform setup for newly-commissioned Marine Corps officers. See a tutorial on setup for the dress blue alpha uniform at FexGear.com.

Service A Uniform Regulations: the Uniform for Checking In

The Marine Corps Service Alpha uniform is the uniform for commissioning and checking in, among other purposes

When reporting to your first duty station you should not stress over checking in. Depending on your assignment (PTAD or TBS), it will mostly consist of a good deal of paperwork, a few briefings with unit personnel, and unpacking. Just ensure you uniform is squared away (follow the tutorial below), haircut is in regulation, and you have copies of your orders, driver’s license, small notepad and a black pen. It also wouldn’t hurt to bring a small snack and a bottle of water as well.

Below is a step-by-step picture tutorial on how to properly set up your uniform and groom yourself prior to reporting:

HAIRCUT/SHAVE

From: http://www.hidesertstar.com/

Less than 3 inches in length

Bulk of hair less than 2 inches

Faded at hairline from 0 length

Clean shaven on face and neck (don’t check in with an in-regs mustache)

Hair will be neat and closely trimmed. The hair may be clipped at the edges of the side and back and will be evenly graduated all the way around the head (blended or faded and not edged as an outline) from zero length at the hairline in the lower portion of the head to the upper portion of the head. Hair will not be over 3 inches in length fully extended (an extended hair, not the style, determines proper length) on the upper portion of the head. The bulk of the hair shall not exceed approximately two inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp when styled. The back and sides of the head below the hairline may be shaved to remove body hair. MARADMIN 504/07

Ribbon bars will be centered 1/8 inch above and parallel to the top edge of the upper left pocket of dress “B” coats, service coats, and men’s khaki shirts. When marksmanship badges are worn, ribbon bars will be centered over the pocket with the bottom edge of the ribbon bar 1/8 inch above the widest holding bar of the marksmanship badge(s).

Collar grade insignia will be worn on both sides of the collar of khaki shirts. When the service “A” uniform is worn by officers, the wear of the collar insignia is required at all times. The insignia will be centered between the top and bottom edge of the collar, with the outer edge of the insignia one inch from the front edge of the collar. When the shirt collar is buttoned up the insignia will be parallel to the collar edge.

Not much to explain here as the Marine Shop or TBS Uniform shop already tailor your trousers to conform to the established standards. Just ensure they’re wrinkle free and exhibit the proper crease standards as shown in the above photo and in the order below.

The left service collar insignia will be worn on the left front side of the garrison cap, with the insignia centered vertically in the eyelet provided. Collar grade insignia will be worn on the right side of the garrison cap opposite to the branch of service collar insignia, with the insignia placed at a point midway on the arc of the flap and the flap generally bisecting the insignia.

Great post. Many PLC and ROTC candidates have an entire year’s worth of college left prior to commissioning so a tutorial like this could be a lifesaver. Likewise, TBS report dates keep getting pushed back so anyone stuck in that boat would find this equally as beneficial.